Mistakes and Struggles are Proof That You are Learning

I went to college at SUNY Cortland, and in 2014 I decided to stay at Cortland while doing my student teaching at a nearby school in Marathon, NY. My host teacher, Mrs. Mack, who is an amazing fourth-grade teacher, fosters students taking charge of their learning. Her goal is always for her students to be self-motivated and constantly learn (especially from their mistakes). There is a saying out there that reads, "Mistakes and struggles are proof that you are trying." Mrs. Mack chose to change the phrase to "Mistakes and Struggles are proof that you are learning." Her classroom management style was very kind and gentle, but firm. As a host teacher, she was an amazing role model, and I aspired to be like her when I had my own classroom.

I was hired at Marathon after student teaching and taught my first year in fourth grade. Mrs. Mack and I became co-workers, and she became a great friend and motherly figure to me. Our fourth-grade team used the same sign and phrase. Our goal in all three classrooms was to foster student-led learning. So, I have used this sign and phrasing since my very first year of teaching... 10 years ago!

Now at ASK in Port Jervis, every year I teach my students that the only way we can really grow and learn is to make mistakes. We practice, we work hard, we make mistakes, we take charge of our learning, and we grow into well-rounded, responsible and successful individuals. My students this year have been faced with many challenges, but they all continue to be strong and move forward. They all support and encourage each other and guide their classmates to recognize their mistakes. They are truly an inspirational group! I am so proud of each and every one of them. I hope they always remember this phrase/saying and that it stays with them for years to come!

Mrs. Niosi is a 3rd grade teacher at ASK in Port Jervis. She has been teaching in Port since 2016. She is an amazing and dedicated teacher who puts so much into her classroom and the growth and development of her students. She played soccer throughout her life, was a four-year soccer player at SUNY Cortland, and was captain of the team in her junior and senior years. She and her husband, Alex, have 2 sons, Wesley and Vincent. #PortPride to Mrs. Niosi means always supporting one another and working as a team. Outside of school, some of her passions and interests are crafting, reading, sports, being outside, and spending as much time as possible with her family.

Want to write a #PortPride blog spot?  We want this blog to be written by a variety of people connected to Port Jervis: students, staff, alumni, BOE members, community leaders, and more.  Have a recommendation for a person, program, place, or happening that should be written about?  Reach out to Mr. Marotta at amarotta@pjschools.org or via phone 845-858-3100 x5534